Killing suspect fails to block extradition from UK

FILE - In this Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011 file photo, Shrien Dewani, the British man accused of having his wife murdered during their honeymoon in South Africa, arrives at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in London. Murder suspect Shrien Dewani has lost his bid to block his extradition to South Africa, where he's accused of arranging the murder of his new wife, Anni, during a honeymoon trip in 2010. The case has drawn attention in both countries, and has been dragged out by legal wrangling in Britain over whether Dewani is fit to be removed from the country. Dewani denies the charges, and his lawyers argue that he suffers post-traumatic stress and depression and should not be extradited. Britain's High Court on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, approved Dewani's removal so long as South African authorities could give a guarantee as to how long he would be kept there without trial. The court had been told the South Africans were willing to do so. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File)

LONDON (AP) — A British murder suspect on Friday lost a bid to block his extradition to South Africa, where he allegedly arranged the killing of his wife during their honeymoon in 2010.

Shrien Dewani, 33, is accused of hiring a hit man to kill his 28-year-old bride Anni, who was fatally shot as the couple travelled in a cab on the outskirts of Cape Town.

The case has drawn attention in both countries, and has been dragged out by legal wrangling in Britain over whether Dewani is fit to be extradited.

Dewani denies the charges, and his lawyers argue he has post-traumatic stress and depression and shouldn't be sent to South Africa.

Britain's High Court on Friday approved Dewani's removal so long as South African authorities could give a guarantee as to how long he would be kept there without trial.

"There should be no further delay, provided that proper protection is afforded to the appellant," Judge John Thomas said.

South Africa's justice department welcomed the British decision and said it would "do everything in its power to ensure compliance with the High Court's judgment."

South Africa "has consistently expressed its desire to have Mr. Dewani returned to stand trial," spokesman Mthunzi Mhaga said in a statement.

Dewani can still attempt to take his case to Britain's Supreme Court, by arguing that the case raises legal questions of general public importance.